Mystery Surrounds Vessel Strike Near Zuqar Island Amid Previous Suspicions of Indian Involvement in Houthi Support Networks
Houthi claims that 14 Indian nationals were aboard a targeted yacht, alongside reports of a suspected weapons shipment, revive questions about maritime supply networks and foreign technical expertise linked to the group.
Conflicting accounts have emerged over the identity of a vessel reportedly struck by aircraft near Yemen's Zuqar Island in the Red Sea on Thursday, amid allegations that it was transporting weapons to the Houthis. The group, however, claimed that the attack targeted a yacht carrying 14 Indian nationals.
Journalist Fares Al-Humairi reported that a boat carrying weapons had been struck while travelling from the coast of an Arab country towards Houthi-controlled Zuqar Island. He provided no further details about the vessel's identity, the party responsible for the strike, or the extent of the damage.
Separately, investigative journalist Farouk Al-Kamali suggested that the targeted vessel may have been the Omani ship Al-Shafaq, citing information indicating that it was transporting weapons from Oman towards Houthi-controlled territory in the Red Sea, most likely the port of Al-Salif. According to Al-Kamali, the vessel had departed Salalah without disclosing its final destination.
In contrast, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that Saudi forces had targeted an Indian yacht near Zuqar Island with 14 Indian nationals aboard. He said the group was conducting rescue operations and would release further details.
No independent evidence has yet established the vessel's identity or cargo, or confirmed whether the competing accounts refer to the same incident.
Background: Indian Vessels Under Surveillance
The incident has renewed attention to earlier findings by the maritime security unit at PTOC Yemen, a monitoring centre linked to Force 400, an intelligence unit affiliated with Yemen's National Resistance Forces.
The centre previously reported monitoring two Indian wooden vessels, MSV Gulshane F. Kadri and Al Salima-MNV-2190, over unusual sailing patterns and suspected repeated voyages to the Houthi-controlled port of Al-Salif.
In a separate incident on August 4, the Indian-flagged cargo vessel Faize Noore Oliya sank following an attack off Hodeidah. All 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni, were rescued. No evidence established a connection between the sunken vessel and the two ships previously monitored by PTOC Yemen.
Previous Allegations Involving Oman-Based Networks and Indian Nationals
The reported departure of the suspected vessel from Salalah has renewed scrutiny of alleged arms-smuggling networks operating through Oman. Previous investigations cited by Sheba Intelligence identified commercial entities allegedly involved in facilitating weapons-related transactions, including reported warehouse arrangements in Oman's Al Mazyunah Free Zone.
Meanwhile, intelligence-linked maritime monitoring previously flagged two Indian wooden vessels over suspected repeated voyages to Houthi-controlled Al-Salif port. A separate Sheba Intelligence investigation also raised the possibility of Indian technical specialists contributing to Houthi missile development.
Taken together, these reports raise questions about whether commercial maritime routes, foreign crews and technical support networks intersect with Houthi weapons procurement. However, the available evidence does not establish a connection between these earlier allegations and the Zuqar incident, or demonstrate involvement by the Omani government or the Indian nationals reportedly aboard the targeted vessel.
Suspicions Over Indian Technical Expertise in Houthi Missile Development
An investigative report published by Sheba Intelligence on October 20, based on an assessment by a military expert, raised the possibility that specialists from India, Russia and China may have contributed to the development of certain Houthi missile capabilities, alongside Iranian support for the group's military programmes.
The investigation examined the potential involvement of foreign technical expertise in propulsion, guidance, navigation and flight-control systems. However, it did not establish the identities of any Indian specialists or provide direct evidence confirming their involvement.
The latest incident near Zuqar Island raises further questions about the activities of foreign vessels and crews operating near Houthi-controlled coastal areas, particularly whether some may be involved in weapons supply chains or logistical and technical support networks.
Nevertheless, the available information does not establish that the 14 Indian nationals mentioned by the Houthis were involved in weapons development or smuggling. Nor does it demonstrate a direct connection between the Zuqar incident and the Indian vessels previously placed under surveillance.
The identity of the targeted vessel, its cargo, route and the party responsible for the strike remain unresolved, pending independent maritime tracking evidence or further official disclosures.
